Bulb slitter

Abstract

In a bulb slitter, a plurality of first swinging elements are mounted to a frame is juxtaposed relation to each other, and a plurality of second swinging elements are mounted to the frame is juxtaposed relation to each other. The first swinging elements have their respective one ends which are arranged in facing relation to one ends of the respective second swinging elements. The first and second swinging elements are mounted to the frame for angular movement toward and away from each other obliquely vertically. A plurality of first disc-like cutting edges are mounted to the one ends of the respective first swinging elements for angular movement. A plurality of second disc-like cutting edges are mounted to the one ends of the respective second swinging elements for angular movement. First biasing means is arranged at the other ends of the respective first swinging elements for biasing the one ends of the respective first swinging elements upwardly, and second biasing means is arranged at the other ends of the respective second swinging elements for biasing the one ends of the respective second swinging elements upwardly. An urging assembly is arranged above a space between the first and second swinging elements for vertical movement.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A bulb slitter comprising a frame, a plurality of first swinging elements mounted to said frame in juxtaposed relation to each other, a plurality of second swinging elements mounted to said frame in juxtaposed relation to each other, said first swinging elements having their respective one ends which are arranged in facing relation to one ends of the respective second swinging elements, said first and second swinging elements being mounted to said frame for angular movement toward and away from each other obliquely vertically, a plurality of first disc-like cutting edges mounted to said one ends of the respective first swinging elements for angular movement about an axis connecting said one ends of the respective first swinging elements to each other, a plurality of second disc-like cutting edges mounted to said one ends of the respective second swinging elements for angular movement about an axis connecting said one ends of the respective second swinging elements to each other, first biasing means arranged at the other ends of the respective first swinging elements for biasing the one ends of the respective first swinging elements upwardly, second biasing means arranged at the other ends of the respective second swinging elements for biasing the one ends of the respective second swinging elements upwardly, and an urging assembly arranged above a space between said first swinging elements and said second swinging elements for vertical movement. 
     
     
       2. The bulb slitter according to claim 1, further comprising a first pair of posts arranged on said frame, a second pairs of posts arranged on said frame, a first shaft extending horizontally and supported by said first pair of posts, and a second shaft extending horizontally and supported by said second pair of posts, wherein said first and second swinging elements are mounted respectively on said first and second shafts for angular movement thereabout in spaced relation to each other. 
     
     
       3. The bulb slitter according to claim 2, wherein said first and second pairs of posts have their respective stoppers for the first and second swinging elements. 
     
     
       4. The bulb slitter according to claim 1, wherein said first swinging elements have their respective inclined sections at locations facing respectively toward said second swinging elements, and said second swinging section have their respective inclined sections at said locations. 
     
     
       5. The bulb slitter according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of abutment plates which are arranged respectively on both sides of said urging assembly. 
     
     
       6. The bulb slitter according to claim 5, wherein said abutment plates have their respective forward ends which are inclined downwardly. 
     
     
       7. The bulb slitter according to claim 6, wherein said abutment plates are extensible and retractable with respect to spaces between said first swinging elements and spaces between said second swinging elements. 
     
     
       8. The bulb slitter according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of connecting plates and a movable plate extending vertically, said urging assembly being mounted to said movable plate through said connecting plates. 
     
     
       9. The bulb slitter according to claim 8, wherein said connecting plates are formed respectively with abutment pieces which are inclined downwardly. 
     
     
       10. The bulb slitter according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of stationary guide elements, said movable plate being mounted to said guide elements for vertical movement. 
     
     
       11. The bulb slitter according to claim 8, further comprising a chain movable vertically, said movable plate being connected to said chain.